Why choose Electrical and Computer Engineering?

Careers in Electrical and Computer Engineering include all aspects of the design, manufacture, specification, and sales of systems containing electrical and computer components. Activities also include both research and implementation of emerging applications of the topics found in an ECE curriculum.

The scope of pursuits found under electrical engineering exploded with the invention of the semiconductor in 1948 and has led to many new areas within ECE including sophisticated electronic circuits; integrated power systems containing solar, wind, coal, oil, gas, and nuclear power plants; and intelligent systems that include a sophisticated and inexpensive computer as an embedded component.

No other technical area has had a greater impact on our daily life. New communications technology has spawned the Internet and given rise to a range of financial, consumer and social networks. Wireless networks continue to proliferate, bringing communication capability everywhere, to your car, your home, or coffee shop. Modern imaging techniques are indispensable in biomedical applications (CAT, MRI, etc.). Your car has greatly improved gas mileage since the engine is controlled by many embedded computers. A GPS system keeps you from getting lost. Recently, the US DOT has proposed a long term program to provide real time vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications involving wireless, GPS, multiple sensors and control theory to assist drivers in preventing 76 percent of roadway crashes.

The range of applications makes ECE one of the most demanding fields of study requiring a solid stem of theory and laboratory courses. Options having a greater emphasis on hardware or software are available. In addition, every graduate must participate in a major design project that emphasizes the design of a product or service. Topics are provided by students, faculty, and industry.